Joseph Thomas Brogan

Joseph Thomas Brogan, Jr. died comfortably in his home at Belmont Village, with his wife at his side, on Sunday, July 26, 2015. Joe was 90. He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph Thomas Brogan, Sr. and Kathryn Sheehy Brogan, his brothers Edward Sheehy Brogan and John Terrence Brogan, first wife Margaret LeCron Conachy, and infant daughter Deirdre Ann Brogan. He is survived by his wife, Cornelia (Neil) Vineyard Brogan, brother Brendan Edward Brogan, daughters Margaret Ann Brogan, Ann Christopher Brogan, Kathryn Brogan Harper, and Mary Brogan Ryan, step-daughters Jane Holmes Bass and Margaret Holmes Bryant, by 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren, and innumerable close cousins, in-laws, nieces and nephews, who hold him in their hearts. Born in Philadelphia February 15, 1925, Joe was a graduate of Roman Catholic High School, a proud member of the United States Coast Guard during WWII, and a graduate of Villanova University after the war. Beginning in 1953, he considered Atlanta his true home, and proudly helped turn the shovel during ground-breaking ceremonies for St. Jude the Apostle Church and School in 1962. He worked tirelessly to further the growth of St. Jude's, educating his children there, and writing, directing, and acting in many of the church's talent and variety shows. Following his first wife's death in 1977, Joe married Neil in 1980, and began an exciting middle age of work balanced with cruises and world travel, as the sea remained one of his first loves. He was thrilled to visit Rome and see the Pope, and also traveled the Panama Canal, and journeyed to Russia. On one memorable trip, he and Neil took a cruise among Alaska's icebergs, returning east on a spectacular train trip across Canada. He was active in the Reunion Association for the USS Charlotte, PF60, his patrol frigate during the war, and enjoyed many other memorable trips. He loved his work selling construction equipment, and the people he met along the way. His name is whispered by many of the Georgia roads and buildings his efforts helped create. A viewing and rosary will be held at Sandy Springs Chapel in Wednesday, July 29, at 6:30 PM. Joe's life will be celebrated at a funeral Mass at St. Jude the Apostle Church on Thursday, July 30, at 10:00 AM, followed by interment at Arlington Memorial Cemetery. There will be a reception at St. Jude's following the services.